With the hot weather expected to continue across the country this summer, Pets at Home has warned pet owners to take extra care in keeping their four-legged friends cool.

Dr. Maeve Moorcroft, head of pets at Pets at Home, said: “Summer can mean lots of fun outside with your dog, but when the temperatures soar it’s important for pet owners to prepare and take the necessary steps to protect their pets.

“Unlike humans, dogs cannot cool themselves by sweating. The main way a dog cools off is by panting. Unfortunately, panting is often not enough especially when the weather is much hotter than usual.”

Dr Moorcroft said it was key for owners to look after their dog’s paws, to keep them comfortable at home, know their dog’s coat type, understand the brachy breed, pick cooler periods of the day for walks and notice the signs such as overheating, heavy panting, excessive thirst or drooling, glazed eyes and loss of energy.

She added: “Many people still believe that it’s ok to leave a dog in a car on a warm day if the windows are left open or they’re parked in the shade, but the truth is, it’s still a very dangerous situation for the dog. A car can become as hot as an oven very quickly, even when it doesn’t feel that warm.”